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“The celebration in 2006 went on a couple of days,” explains Cockayne. “It was a big day and a big year for us, to finish off with a win against a side like Widnes was unbelievable and got us all to where we wanted to be and had strived all year for, just like this season.

“Me, Scott Murrell and some others were young lads and although we knew it was a big game, a lot of us were fearless and didn’t think about the magnitude of the match.

Scott Murrell thanks Hull KR fans at Craven Park

“It was an unbelievable game and getting to the celebration after was special. Murrell was running around the statue outside King Billy naked, what a night that was. I’m approaching the game this weekend with a lot more nerves than I had then.”

Widnes, brimming with experience in the shape of stalwarts Terry O’Connor, Barrie McDermott and former top try-scorer Dennis Moran, were shot to pieces in the opening half, where Rovers were literally red-hot on a cold October evening.

A side relegated from the top flight in 2005 could not cope with the Robins’ flight.

Murrell’s kick to the corner was taken out of play by Damien Blanch, and five minutes in, Ben Fisher and Jon Goddard combined to send winger Byron Ford over to open KR’s account.

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This time it was captain James Webster who teased the Widnes wingman with another kick to the corner.

That failed to be dealt with, and Goddard was there to touch down and extend Rovers’ advantage.

Murrell then went over from dummy-half, with Gareth Morton booting another two points for KR from the kicking tee for a commanding lead.

Hull KR's Ben Cockayne celebrates victory over Widnes

The Vikings finally came to life through Gavin Dodd, who collected Mick Cassidy’s pass, but their joy was short-lived when Dwayne Barker’s loose carry was picked up by Cockayne, who fed Goddard for his second of the match.

Confidence was high heading into the half-time team talk, but even better was to come for the Rovers supporters packing out the South Stand.

McDermott lost possession, with Murrell and Webster combining to put Pat Weisner in acres of space to touch down.

Celebrating on his way to the line, even when there was over half an hour left on the timer, the versatile Irish international knew promotion was all-but sealed.

Ryan Candy and Blanch hit back in desperate times for Widnes, with some nerves settling in amongst KR fans.

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But their fears were alleviated as another Morton goal, followed by Murrell’s one-pointer, cued thrilling scenes on the terraces and pitch alike, with colourful celebrations intertwined with pure emotion and a huge sigh of relief.

Victorious coach Morgan said: “I can’t wait for Super League. I’m looking forward to playing all of the derbies.

“These guys are great footballers and will relish the opportunity to play on the big stage. The first 40 minutes was the best we’ve played all year.

“We showed a real spring in our step and took a lot out of Widnes’ energy levels.”

Twelve months of long, hard work had paid off, and now it’s up to Sheens’ side to do exactly the same this weekend.